Former Green Bay Packers first round pick, Lukas Van Ness has been brought along slowly by the team thus far. In his first two NFL seasons, the former Iowa star has yet to start a game. But, in his third training camp, Van Ness seems ready to take a step forward and assume a bigger role in the Green Bay defense. This will be a critical season for Van Ness and his career development.

Lukas Van Ness Ready to Take the Next Step in Packers Camp: His Career So Far

The Packers knew Van Ness would be a bit of a project when they selected him with the 13th overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. He had all the athletic tools to become a standout NFL edge rusher, but his talent was raw and needed refinement. During his college career, he never started a game although that was due in part to Iowa favoring seniors when it came to starting games.

In his rookie season, Van Ness played all 17 games and recorded four sacks. He played just 33 percent of the team’s defensive snaps. He lined up at outside linebacker as the Packers were playing a 3-4 base defense under Joe Barry.

Last season, the Packers switched to a 4-3 base defense under new defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley. That meant Van Ness and the rest of the team’s outside linebackers had to shift to defensive end. Van Ness played 39 percent of the team’s defensive snaps but recorded just three sacks. His play against the run did improve.

At OTAs this spring, Van Ness revealed that he played with a broken thumb last season that hampered his ability to use one hand when rushing the passer.

Training Camp 2025

Van Ness entered this year’s training camp with a chance to earn a starting job for the first time since high school. Last year, the Packers traded veteran Preston Smith to Pittsburgh at the trade deadline. Many people expected Van Ness to take over as the starter opposite Rashan Gary, but that job went to Kingsley Enagbare.

But from day one of training camp, Van Ness has been lining up with the first-string defense. And he’s been making a strong impression on the coaching staff.

“He’s a year older. He’s got another year in the scheme. I think he’s starting to understand the position, how to use his hands, how to set edges, some pass rush tools, some counter moves,” Hafley explained. “It was a good offseason for him, truthfully. He did a good job at OTAs, and then I think he left here and he put in a lot of work. He came back in really good shape. He’s healthy. I just think he’s a year older and it’s another year in the scheme for him where he’s starting to feel comfortable. I think [defensive line coach] DeMarcus [Covington] has done a really good job with him and that entire group.”

Van Ness has been making plays throughout camp and has regularly gotten into the backfield to make stops. One play that stood out was a stop on receiver Romeo Doubs on a reverse.

Lukas Van Ness Ready to Take the Next Step in Packers Camp: The Future

In addition to being the frontrunner to start opposite Gary, Van Ness could line up at defensive tackle in some obvious passing situations. At OTAs, head coach Matt LaFleur had LVN working there and said it’s something the team could consider once the season starts.

“I think, situationally, you can do that [play Van Ness at defensive tackle],” LaFleur said during OTAs. “In known passing situations there’s some thought around that. A lot of it is going to be dependent upon everyone else as well. Lukas has shown a lot of growth.”

Van Ness did play the interior for part of his college career, so it wouldn’t be something unfamiliar to him. The Packers have two defensive tackles who they hope can pressure opposing quarterbacks in Kenny Clark and Devonte Wyatt. But moving Van Ness inside could also open up more opportunities for rotational defensive ends like Enagbare or Brenton Cox. It could also give the defense some different looks that opposing offenses would have to account for.

This is very important season for Van Ness. He has to take a step forward in his third NFL season to show the Packers were right to draft him in the first round. He is at a crossroads in his career and can either become a starter and contributor or be considered a first-round bust. Only time will tell.

 

 

 

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